Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
NYPD

It’s Man Vs. Car in NYC and Tim Robbins is “The Rectifier”

Granted, I always secretly hoped that Tom Hanks would play the Aaron Naparstek role in "Honku: The Movie" but Tim Robbins' new film "Noise" is, without question, the early runner-up for Streetsblog's 2008 Movie of the Year:

David (Oscar-winner and New York City resident Tim Robbins) is a successful lawyer who can’t standthe fact that Manhattan is a place where it’s too noisy to get a goodnight’s sleep, listen to classical music, or even make love to his wifewithout disturbance. Every time David hears a car alarm going off, heswings into action. Adopting the guise of “The Rectifier,” he engagesin acts of vandalism that satisfy him immensely but which generate noend of grief from his wife (Bridget Moynahan). They also make himpolitically controversial when he provokes the ire of the city’sarrogant mayor (Oscar-winner William Hurt).

Best of all, "Noise" offers up the most concise and accurate summary of NYPD traffic enforcement policy I've ever seen:

"You don't come when the car is attacking us, only when we're attacking the car."

-- Tim Robbins to New York City police officer.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Mamdani’s FDNY Spews Anti-Street Safety Talking Points at Bizarre Council Hearing

FDNY and DOT were at cross-purposes during a bikelash Council hearing.

February 26, 2026

Trump Dragnet That Stopped 34th St. Busway Is Holding Up Tremont Avenue, Too

A contentious Manhattan busway is causing trouble in the Bronx.

February 26, 2026

NEVER MIND: Bus Service Tanked After January Snowstorm, So MTA Nixed The Data

The January storm and days of below-freezing temperatures that followed left New York City bus riders in the lurch, the MTA said.

February 26, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: Beyond Snowballs Edition

Tomorrow it could be rocks. Plus other news.

February 26, 2026

Judge Blocks City From Implementing 15 MPH Bike Speed Limit In Central Park

It's an indication that opponents of this "illegal application" of the so-called "Sammy's Law" may prevail on the merits at an upcoming full hearing.

February 25, 2026

Study: Most Of America’s Paint-Only Bike Paths Are On Our Deadliest Roads

Even worse, most Americans see these terrible lanes and think, "I'd be crazy to ride a bike" — and the cycle continues.

February 25, 2026
See all posts